Guest Opinion: Pros are best for your car — and our community

April and October are declared “Car Care Months” by the National Car Care Council — an independent organization dedicated to automotive consumer advocacy — in conjunction with most states, including Massachusetts' consumer protection departments.

April and October are declared “Car Care Months” by the National Car Care Council — an independent organization dedicated to automotive consumer advocacy — in conjunction with most states, including Massachusetts’ consumer protection departments.

The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations and The National Car Care Council both advise motorists: “Be sure your mechanic is ASE Certified.” ASE certification assures a technician is qualified to properly diagnose and repair today’s technological marvels. ASE technicians have to retest and recertify every five years to maintain certification. This assures they stay current on updated technology that often changes weekly.

Be sure your repair shop is licensed and fully insured. If not, you may be held solely liable for financial damages that may result from property damage, personal injury, or death because of failure of often cheaper parts and labor from a less than fully competent mechanic. Ask your insurance agent about this. In addition to lack of complete knowledge, “backyard” mechanics rarely can afford the hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in proper, current diagnostic and repair equipment and current data acquisition services required by a professional repair center. Often a professional will find a minor repair is needed while the unqualified mechanic will “shotgun” the repair because of ignorance and replace everything, resulting in higher cost.

Unlicensed mechanics and garages may be slightly cheaper initially, but in addition to being uninsured (illegal) they do not pay for licenses, permits, personal property tax, and other fees that pay for the police department, fire department, schools and educators, road and building maintenance, municipal employees and departments that we all depend on, although they use these services themselves. Double dipping?

They don’t pay the much higher commercial property taxes. This results in much higher property taxes and road use taxes for everyone. Some don’t declare an income from these “hobbies” and evade income tax, Social Security tax, Medicare tax. This is also illegal. How do they dispose of their used fluids and parts? Throw them in the trash and pollute the landfills?

Did you know that on most newer vehicles, simply using the wrong grade or type of motor oil can not only result in poor fuel economy and higher exhaust emissions, but cause permanent, expensive engine damage?

Is it worth going to a “hobbyist?” As all the consumer advocates suggest, support your professional repair shop. They’re supporting you.